Wichita eagle., 1887-09-02
THE REVISED VERSION.
WHAT Was Expected of It-Reasons Why
1t Failed to Become PopuIar

/
| SHyears have passed since the revised verU
sion OF the New Testament was given to the
English speaking world. For almost de-
cade attention had been directed to the place
| where the scholars in charge.of the great I'M
dertaking were pursuing their work. Its
completion was regarded as an epoch in re-
igious history. Many believed that millions
would be interested in the new version who
had never carefully studied the old Some
| thought that it would result in general re-
vival of religion. The translation was almost
| universally commended by biblical scholars
and theologians. Great praise was bestowed
on the men who were so long engaged on the
difficult work. Large sums were offered for
early copies. The number sold during few
months was enormous
But the revised version failed to supersede
the old one. 1t has never been synodically
approved by the established Church Of Eng
land that took the initiative in its produc-
ton. 1t has never been formally adopted by
any Protestant denomination for use in
churches and Sunday schools. 1t is rarely
read at family devotions. Few writers or
speakers, lay or clerical, quote it. 1t may
almost be said to have passed out of sight and
mind. Why was it doomed to such failure?
Mr.. John Fulton undertakes to answer the
question in the current number of The
Forum. The reasons he assigns are that too
many changes were introduced to suit some
and not enough to satisfy others. He also
thinks that the poetry of many passages was
impaired by giving them too literal transla-
ton. A certain degree of obscurity serves to
give charm to the expression Of poetical
sentiments. No one is pleased with likeness
OF person made by measuring his features
and reducing them to certain scale
These things may have had something to
do with preventing the new version from be-
coming popular But obviously other causes
contributed to its failure Persons who are
radical or progressive on other matters are
apt to be very conservative on everything
that pertains to religion. Then q certain ven
GRAFTON attaches to the authorized version of
King James as well as to the subject matter
itself. In every household the old family
bible, in which are recorded the births, mar
riageS, and deaths Of several generations, is
sacred book If neglected at other times, it
is read on occasions Of affiiction and adversely.
Consolation is sought from it. The noblest
sentiments cluster around it.
Thousands of passages from the old or es-
tablished version have been incorporated into
the classic literature of the language, and they
cannot be revised. Still more passages have
been engraved on tombstones, and none but
a yandal hand would erase them, for to do so
would be a sacrilege Old and well loved
hymns abound in phrases taken from the old
version, and they cannot be changed to con-
form to the new translation without destroy
ing their melody. The old version must re-
main, for it exists i'll many forms. 1t will
only go out of use when the English language
ceases to be spoken. 1t viii live and help pre-
serve the fierce and vigor of the languauge of
Times.